FEATURED PRODUCTS

Sunday Alcohol Sales May Become a Reality Quickly

Bill # and Title: SB 1 – Sunday Carryout SalesAuthors: Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) and Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn)Summary: Allows package liquor stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores and qualifying restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages for carryout on Sunday from the hours of noon until 8 p.m. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the Alcohol Code Revision Commission during 2017.)Chamber Position: Support|Status: Heard by the House Public Policy Committee on February 14. An amendment was offered by Rep. Smaltz changing the effective date from July 1, 2018 (a Sunday), to upon the bill’s passage. The amended bill passed by a vote of 9-1; it’s now eligible for further action on the House floor.

Update/Chamber Action: Although this is not one of our priority bills, the Chamber considers it an important issue to finalize and indicated our support for the bill. The Chamber supports more logical and equitable policies that level the playing field for producers, distributors and retailers, as well as facilitate consumer convenience, including, but not limited to: sales of alcoholic products by licensed retailers should be available seven days a week; eliminate the temperature restriction for retail cold beer sales; and discourage underage and inappropriate consumption of alcohol by expanding education, substance abuse and wellness programs and enforcement of underage restrictions.